COMMERCE – Supervisor Gloria Molina vowed Wednesday to work more closely with Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies to target graffiti and launch a community-based policing program throughout Los Angeles County.

Molina’s visions were among a list of hot topics the supervisor discussed during a “State of the County” address.

Her objectives also came on the heels of improved revenue and favorable budget activity within the county, according to the supervisor.

“We are in a very good place,” Molina told business officials during a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Commerce.

The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce organized Wednesday’s event, which drew about 80 associates from six cities, including Irwindale and Baldwin Park.

According to Molina, L.A. County has seen increased revenue from tax-based profits, home sales and frugal spending habits in recent months.

Officials are expected to approve a record $19 billion county budget in June, Molina added.

“The key issue is looking at the new dollars and how we’re going to spend them,” Molina said. “I believe the key focus is the quality of life … and the presence of law enforcement is a key component.”

Molina emphasized that residents and business people get involved in their community – specifically when it comes to vandalism and blight.

She said county funding could aid in fighting graffiti, one of the county’s primary and growing issues.

“The best way to eliminate graffiti is not letting them take control of any wall in your city – not one,” Molina stressed. “If we can paint over it, these little hoodlums can see that that’s not a wall they can paint.”

Maria Avila, a branch manager for Banco Popular in Pico Rivera, said she was impressed by Molina’s approach.

“I liked her ideas in knowing she’s involved in the community,” Avila said. “Knowing that these tax dollars are going to good programs – like fighting graffiti – makes a big difference.”

The supervisor also reported on the need for health care for residents and employees and discussed the issue of homelessness on a community-by-community level.

“It isn’t just a skid row problem. We see it in every single neighborhood,” Molina said.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials are making plans for many transportation projects into 2015, Molina said, and it’s urgent that communities from the county’s eastern end get involved in the discussions if they’d like to see projects coming their way.

“The business community may not live in the city, but we definitely have a voice,” said Lupe Quintana, a former president of the Pico Rivera chamber.